Comparisons

Smoke Free vs MyQuitBuddy: Which Is Better for Quitting?

By PuffBye Editorial TeamLast updated Feb 2026Based on published research from CDC, WHO & NIH

Choosing the right quit smoking app can make a significant difference in your cessation journey. Smoke Free and MyQuitBuddy are both popular options, but they take different approaches to helping users quit. Smoke Free offers science-based daily missions and a comprehensive set of craving management tools. MyQuitBuddy was developed by the Australian Department of Health and includes tracking, motivational challenges, and distraction techniques for managing cravings. With evidence-based apps showing 20-35% quit rates, selecting the right digital tool is an important decision that should consider features, cost, evidence base, and personal preferences.

What is Smoke Free?

Smoke Free offers science-based daily missions and a comprehensive set of craving management tools. The app is based on acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) principles and National Health Service (NHS) guidelines. It includes detailed progress tracking and mood monitoring. Available on iOS and Android, Smoke Free is priced at Free with premium $50/year and has earned 4.6/5 average user rating. The app's key features include Daily missions, craving tools, mood tracking, progress statistics. Based on acceptance commitment therapy principles. Primary strengths are Evidence-based approach, excellent daily missions, detailed statistics, though users should note Premium features required for full functionality, can feel overwhelming initially.

What is MyQuitBuddy?

MyQuitBuddy was developed by the Australian Department of Health and includes tracking, motivational challenges, and distraction techniques for managing cravings. It's designed specifically for the Australian context but works for international users. Running on iOS and Android, MyQuitBuddy costs Free to download and use and maintains 4.2/5 average user rating. Core features encompass Tracking, challenges, distraction tools, Australian-focused. Developed by Australian government health department. Main advantages include Government-backed, completely free, good distraction tools, while potential drawbacks are Australian-focused content, less active development, basic features.

Head-to-Head Comparison

Cost • Smoke Free: Free with premium $50/year • MyQuitBuddy: Free to download and use

Key Features • Smoke Free: Daily missions, craving tools • MyQuitBuddy: Tracking, challenges

Evidence Base • Smoke Free: Based on acceptance commitment therapy principles • MyQuitBuddy: Developed by Australian government health department

User Rating • Smoke Free: 4.6/5 average user rating • MyQuitBuddy: 4.2/5 average user rating

Platforms • Smoke Free: iOS and Android • MyQuitBuddy: iOS and Android

Best For • Smoke Free: Evidence-based approach • MyQuitBuddy: Government-backed

The Verdict

Both Smoke Free and MyQuitBuddy offer valuable support for quitting smoking, but they excel in different areas. Smoke Free stands out for Evidence-based approach and excellent daily missions, making it ideal for users who prioritize these features. MyQuitBuddy excels at Government-backed and completely free, better serving those who value these aspects. Consider your priorities: if daily missions and Free with premium $50/year appeal to you, Smoke Free may be the better choice. If you prefer tracking and can work with Free to download and use, MyQuitBuddy might suit you better. Many users find success by trying multiple apps to discover which approach resonates most with their quit style.

How PuffBye Can Help

Regardless of whether you choose Smoke Free or MyQuitBuddy, PuffBye helps you track your progress, manage cravings, and stay motivated throughout your quit journey. The app works alongside any cessation method to give you real-time insights into your health recovery and money saved.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which app is better for beginners: Smoke Free or MyQuitBuddy?
Smoke Free offers Daily missions which can be helpful for beginners, while MyQuitBuddy provides Tracking. Both support new quitters, but Smoke Free may be more intuitive for those wanting Evidence-based approach.
Do I need to pay for premium features?
Smoke Free is Free with premium $50/year, while MyQuitBuddy costs Free to download and use. Both offer free versions with core functionality, but premium features can enhance the experience with additional tools and content.
Which app has better evidence-based content?
Smoke Free is Based on acceptance commitment therapy principles, while MyQuitBuddy is Developed by Australian government health department. Both incorporate behavioral change techniques, though the specific approaches differ.

Sources & References

The information in this article is based on publicly available research and guidance from the following authoritative health organizations:

Sources accessed February 2026

Ready to Quit?

Track your progress, manage cravings, and celebrate milestones with PuffBye — the free iOS app designed to help you quit vaping and smoking for good.

Learn More

Related Articles